The Mount Vernon International Thespian Troupe 1779 held an extravaganza to wrap up this year's winning season. A full cast complete with stunning fishnet legs, black blazers and fedoras opened the evening with singing and dancing to "Come On, Get Happy" to include Caren Hearne in her farewell performance as Mount Vernon's after school theatre director. Hearne spent four years with MVHS and is leaving to take a full time position as a theater director with Woodbridge High School.
In addition to the entertainment, the Thespian Extravaganza was also an opportunity to recognize the student's achievements in acting and technical work. Additional performances were given interspersed through out the evening's award program. The awards were presented by their fellow Thespians.
*Best Understudy — Robert Legree, Ben Weatherstaff, The Secret Garden
*Best Ensemble — Austin Cobb, Mike Hinson, Robert Legree, Joe Savage, Lee Maguire, Mary McArthur, Amy Brown, Emil Christensen, Brandon Harrington, and Stephanie Sefren, The Pirates, Peter Pan
*Best Tech — Emily Witucki, Torey Barry, Robert Legree, Lee Maguire, Karen Cordova, Shavar Branam, and Mike , The Flight Crew, Peter Pan
*Best Supporting Actress — Stephanie Leonard, Tiger Lily, Peter Pan
*Best Supporting Actor — Lee Maguire, Cecco, Peter Pan
*Best Actor — Will Brewster, Captain Hook, Peter Pan
*Best Actress — Whitney Zangarine, Peter Pan, Peter Pan
THE NIGHT BEFORE the extravaganza, a special closed ceremony was held to induct the new Thespians. The Thespian International Troupe 1779 welcomed the following new thespians:
Kayla D'Arcy
Ana Branam
Emil Christensen
Jocelyn Dugan
Chris Hanson
Robert Legree
Randy Parker
Jeff Pearson
Monica Purnell
Andrew Scutt
Stephanie Sefren
Brittany Stohl
Nick Wagner
Amber Wixtrom
Alex Wixtrom
As part of the evening's program, Hearne presented the Thespians "I" Guards, a point system that represents the total number of hours and quality of work the students perform throughout the year. Thespians wear a pin with keys signifying their "I" Guards. Thespians who achieve more than 100 points achieve Honor Thespian status.
The following were inducted as Honor Thespians —
Jessica D'Arcy,
Lee Maguire,
Stephanie Leonard
Emily Witucki.
THE MVHS Boosters also presented the newly established MVHS Theatre Arts Scholarship to its first recipient, Daniela Jagemann, a senior and outgoing Thespian president recognized for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the theatre arts at Mount Vernon among her many accomplishments. Jagemann will be attending Virginia Tech in the Fall.
Hearne completed the evening awarding the prestigious Thespian of the Year award to Austin Cobb, a senior who has participated in many of the after school productions. Cobb will attend Mary Washington College after graduation. Among many of her accomplishments, Hearnes achieved a personal goal that all of her seniors would acquire Honor Thespian Status before their graduation. Hearne was successful and all her seniors graduated as Honor Thespians all of the four years during her tenure.